Savory Cream Cheese Tuna Spread
Indulge in this delicious Savory Cream Cheese Tuna Spread, perfect for gatherings or a quick snack. This creamy dip combines rich cream cheese and mayonnaise with the savory flavors of tuna and fresh green onions. Enhanced with a touch of horseradish and Worcestershire sauce, and finished with a sprinkle of paprika, this recipe is sure to delight your taste buds. Serve it with your favorite crackers, fresh veggies, or use it as a sandwich spread for a flavorful lunch option. Easy to prepare and packed with protein, this dip is both satisfying and versatile, making it a must-try for any occasion.
4
Servings
180
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
milk
1/4 cup (none)
cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
mayonnaise
1/2 cup (none)
green onion
1/4 cup (chopped, with tops)
prepared horseradish
2 teaspoons (none)
red pepper sauce
1/8 teaspoon (none)
Worcestershire sauce
1 dash (none)
tuna
6 ounces (drained)
paprika
to taste (for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, soften the cream cheese by stirring in milk a tablespoon at a time until smooth and creamy.
2
Add the mayonnaise, chopped green onions, prepared horseradish, red pepper sauce, and Worcestershire sauce to the cream cheese mixture. Blend until well combined.
3
Gently fold in the drained tuna until evenly incorporated, being careful not to break it up too much.
4
Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl and sprinkle paprika on top for added flavor and presentation.
5
Cover the dip with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
6
Serve chilled with your favorite crackers, raw vegetables, or spread on sandwiches.
Nutrition Information
14.5g
Fat
2.75g
Carbs
9.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Cream Cheese Tuna Spread?
It is a creamy dip or spread made with cream cheese, mayonnaise, tuna, and seasonings, perfect for appetizers or snacks.
How many servings does this tuna spread recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The main ingredients include tuna, cream cheese, mayonnaise, milk, green onions, prepared horseradish, red pepper sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and paprika.
How many calories are in a serving of this dip?
Each serving contains approximately 180 calories.
Is this recipe high in protein?
Yes, it provides about 9.5 grams of protein per serving.
How do I soften the cream cheese for this recipe?
Stir in milk one tablespoon at a time into the cream cheese until the texture is smooth and creamy.
Can I use a low-fat version of the ingredients?
Yes, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese or mayonnaise, though the texture and richness may vary.
Why is milk added to the cream cheese?
Milk is used to thin the cream cheese and achieve a spreadable, dip-like consistency.
What type of tuna should I use?
The recipe calls for 6 ounces of tuna; canned tuna that has been thoroughly drained works best.
How should I prepare the green onions?
You should chop 1/4 cup of green onions, including the green tops, for the best flavor.
Is the red pepper sauce very spicy?
The recipe only calls for 1/8 teaspoon, which provides a very mild kick without being overly spicy.
What does the horseradish add to the flavor?
Prepared horseradish adds a savory, pungent depth that complements the creaminess of the cheese.
How do I incorporate the tuna?
Gently fold the drained tuna into the mixture to avoid breaking it up too much, maintaining some texture.
What is the purpose of the paprika?
Paprika is sprinkled on top as a garnish to enhance both the flavor and the visual presentation.
How long does the dip need to be refrigerated?
It should be chilled for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
There are 14.5 grams of fat per serving.
Are there many carbohydrates in this spread?
No, it is relatively low in carbs with about 2.75 grams per serving.
Can I use this as a sandwich filling?
Absolutely, it makes an excellent flavorful spread for lunch sandwiches or wraps.
What should I serve with this tuna spread?
It pairs perfectly with crackers, raw vegetables, or toasted bread slices.
Is this recipe suitable for a party?
Yes, it is an easy-to-prepare appetizer that is great for gatherings and social events.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, making it a few hours or a day ahead allows the flavors to develop even better in the fridge.
How should I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator.
How long will the tuna spread last in the fridge?
It is best consumed within 2 to 3 days when stored properly in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze this tuna dip?
Freezing is not recommended as the cream cheese and mayonnaise may separate and change texture once thawed.
What if I don't have Worcestershire sauce?
You can omit it, though it provides a unique savory depth that defines the 'savory' aspect of the recipe.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Yes, finely chopped celery or bell peppers can be added for extra crunch.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The main ingredients are generally gluten-free, but always check the labels on your Worcestershire sauce and mayonnaise.
How much horseradish should I use?
The recipe recommends 2 teaspoons of prepared horseradish.
Is this a quick recipe to prepare?
Yes, the preparation is very fast; most of the time is just letting it chill in the refrigerator.
Can I use canned salmon instead of tuna?
Yes, canned salmon can be used as a direct substitute for a different seafood flavor profile.